Veteran ‘Doc’ Daniels passes on award

By Allison Roy
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Last Friday, members and guests of Sherman Area Memorial VFW No. 2299 and its Ladies Auxiliary were treated to a delicious supper. Following supper, a special presentation was made by Dr. William Daniels.
Contributed photo/Allison Roy
CALLED TO SERVE — Sherman area military service veterans William ‘Doc’ Daniels, left, and James Leo King, were the guests of honor Friday during a special medal presentation at Sherman VFW No. 2299.
    “Doc” as he is known around town, had received a package in the mail several months ago. “I didn’t open it”, he said, “because I thought it was a solicitation for money.” His wife, Freddy urged him to open it one day, and to his surprise, it was an award from Galen Cole of Bangor. This award was to be passed on to a Non-Commissioned Officer from World War II, after Daniels decided it was time to part with the medal.
    Daniels called upon members of the VFW to help him find a suitable candidate for the medal. “It’s sort of a thank you to those who served,” he stated. When he served during WWII, Daniels was in the hospital when Galen Cole was wounded. “I remember Galen prayed that if he survived, he’d dedicate his life to helping veterans, which he has certainly done,” he said.
    In Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Greatest Generation”, Daniels, as well as Cole are mentioned. “In the military, so many enlisted men do things they don’t get recognized for. This medal is a way to recognize them.” said Daniels. The medal is to signify, honor and remember those NonComs who served. Another requirement of passing on the medal, is recognition for public service.
    It took Daniels some heavy thinking, but he finally decided to pass the medal on to James Leo King. “Leo was a kingpin for getting the Veteran’s Monument erected in Sherman. He did a lot of work, and some of the expenses came out of his own pocket.”
    King also sees to it that donations at the Washburn Memorial Church for the Agape Food Pantry are boxed up and taken to Island Falls regularly. He is a Past Master of Molunkus Lodge No. 165 AF&AM, Past Worthy Patron of Molunkus Valley Chapter No. 95 OES, and could always be found on the grounds during Old Home Days helping out wherever he was needed.
    “There’s not many people to pass this award on to,” said King. “Most World War II vets are 79 or 80.” “Or 90,” piped up Daniels.
    Quite simply, when presented with medal, King said “Thanks Doc.” The award is a fitting tribute to these two men who served our country proudly.